What is the difference between a Senior Center and Eldercare of Damascus Adult Medical Day Care?

Senior Centers are designed for individuals who can function independently as regards to transportation,
finances, personal care, and medication management. Eldercare of Damascus
is licensed by the State of Maryland to provide care to adults in need of
supervision in one or more areas of functioning. There is a registered
nurse on-site at all times to manage medication and staff are available to
assist in personal care and to make sure the environment is a safe but
stimulating one.
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How does someone enroll in Eldercare of Damascus?

You are strongly urged to make an appointment to talk with the Center’s
social worker, Sara Drury, concerning admission. Although the Center is
open to visitors at all times, making an appointment ensures there will be
someone available to answer your questions and give you a tour.
The admission process requires the completion of an application that
includes documentation by the applicant’s physician as well as relevant
personal history. All documents must be completed prior to admission.
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Is the Center licensed?

Eldercare of Damascus is licensed as an adult medical day care facility by
the State of Maryland, Office of Health Care Quality as well as by the
State of Maryland, Office of Aging. The Center is licensed by the
Veteran’s Administration to provide care to veterans. The Center is also
licensed by the Montgomery County Health Department and Fire Department.
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Can I enroll my family member to attend on an “as needed” basis?

Eldercare of Damascus and all adult medical day care centers are designed
to provide services on a scheduled basis. A minimum of two days a week
enrollment is required so that the person attending can acquire a sense of
familiarity with the Center and feel as if he or she is part of the group.
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How is transportation arranged?

At the time of admission, arrangements are made to define the time an
attendee will be picked up in the morning and brought home in the evening.
Every effort is made to accommodate family schedules to ensure convenience
and safety. The van drivers are all experienced and trained to provide
assistance and door to door escort is provided to all who attend.
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Are the vans wheel chair equipped?

No, the vans do not have a wheelchair lift. For those unable to get into
the van, Metro Access is available for transportation. For those who can
get on the van with assistance but use a wheelchair for independence, the
wheelchair can be transported by the van to the Center for use upon arrival.
The Center is completely wheelchair accessible.
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Can my family member attend if they need help walking, need help in the bathroom, or with medications?

The Center can provide assistance to all persons needing assistance with
walking while using a walker or cane. The Center is completely adapted to
manage any physical disability. Staff assist those in need of help in
personal care and the need for assistance in the bathroom can be managed
discretely. The Center’s registered nurse is on-site every day and
manages any medication or testing that needs to be addressed.
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How are meals handled?

The Center provides a light breakfast, lunch, and snack everyday. The
meals are catered from Overlea Caterers, Inc. and delivered daily. All
meals are low fat and low sodium and offer a wide variety of entrees to
provide a diverse menu over the course of the month.
Special diets can be accommodated. Montgomery County Health Department
regulations prohibit food being brought in by attendees.
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What is the cost?

The daily cost of attending Eldercare of Damascus is $84. This includes
transportation, meals, and activities while at the Center. A deposit equal
to the cost of two weeks of planned attendance is required at the time of
admission and is applied to the final two weeks of attendance. All enrollees
are asked to commit to a minimum of two weeks attendance.
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Does Medicare or insurance cover the cost?

Medicare and medical health insurance policies do not cover the cost of
medical day care services. Most long-term care insurance plans cover the
cost of adult medical day care. Veterans may be eligible for some paid days
through application with the Veteran’s Administration The social worker can
help applicants determine whether there are other funding options available.
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What are the days and hours of operation?

Eldercare of Damascus is open from 8 AM to 3:30 PM daily, Monday through
Friday. The Center is not open on weekends and does not have the ability
to care for people overnight. For those enrolled, the Center’s social
worker can assist in obtaining additional respite services. The Center
closes for major holidays (New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor
Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas) but is open on minor holidays celebrated
by the federal government.
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What is a typical day like?

The vans start bringing people to the Center shortly after 8 AM. A light
breakfast of toast, cereal, and/or muffins is served with juice, coffee,
and tea. The day begins with reviewing the news (only the good news!) and
a review of what happened on the day in history. The news is followed by a
session of walking within the Center, a trivia or word game, and seated
exercise. Lunch is served at noon and after a brief rest time, the
afternoon can feature a musical activity, art activity, Wii bowling, travel
videos, an outing to the Senior Center, a trip to the library, or a trip to
go duckpin bowling. A snack is served at about 2:30 PM and vans begin to
go home for the day around 3 PM.
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